A photograph is worth 1,000 words, which is approximately 200 words short of describing the grandeur of the world's most majestic treasures. Bring far-flung culture under your gaze with today's Groupon: for $25, you get two adult tickets and audio tours to Vatican Splendors at The Missouri History Museum, in Forest Park (a $50 value).
The Missouri History Museum has been the home of meticulously chronicled Midwestern history since 1866, and the Beaux Arts building hosts the famous collection of Catholic relics until September 12. With over 170 works of Vatican art and collectibles to view, the relics range from first-century finds to notable present-day future artifacts. Visitors can don complimentary headphones and follow the audio tour through 11 galleries organized chronologically from Saint Peter through the current pope, Benedict the XVI. You'll ogle original Michelangelos, bone fragments of saints Peter and Paul, the papal throne, and personal accoutrements of Pope John Paul II, such as a bronze cast of his hands and a plastic cast of the Game Boy with which he exercised his nimble thumbs.
The Missouri History Museum is the first stop on the traveling exhibition's three-city American tour, and many of the religious relics are leaving the Vatican for the first time since the furious paintball siege of 1313. Bring a date or parole officer to publicly appreciate some of organized religion's most magnificent collectibles.
Vatican Splendors entry is every 30 minutes during normal business hours until one hour prior to closing. Groupons may be redeemed for tickets to be used immediately or for advance tickets to be used at a later time or date, but both tickets must be used in one visit.
Reviews
Vatican Splendors has been featured in the Riverfront Times, Channel 4 KMOV, Channel 5 KSDK, and the Telegraph:
- Throughout this breathtaking exhibit, Vatican art, history, culture and religion are presented through extraordinary works – Kristen Cornett, KMOV
- …it's an exhibit worth seeing. – Heidi Glaus, KSDK
- Even those who have visited the Vatican will see an array of unique paintings and artifacts they never have seen before in the newest exhibit at the Missouri History Museum. – Vicki Bennington, Telegraph
Missouri History Museum
Where can you learn the stories of Civil War soldiers, discover little-known facts about famous figures such as Chuck Berry, and see St. Louis Cardinals artifacts from the 1960's Busch Stadium all in one place? The Missouri History Museum boasts an expansive collection of photographs, artifacts, and maps that reveal some of the nation's and state's most intimate stories. Originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson, the site now offers exhibits that include items such as the sister plane to Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and images of the buildings and grand palaces that were erected for the 1904 World's Fair.
In addition to rotating exhibits, events such as lectures, genealogical workshops, theatrical performances, and movie screenings offer guests a bridge to the past and a new perspective on the future. The museum is also planning a 2014 exhibit to commemorate St. Louis's 250th anniversary, which will unfold via 50 people, 50 places, 50 moments, 50 images, and 50 objects representing the city's richness and diversity.